Example methods and apparatus to measure exposure to broadcast signals having embedded data are disclosed. Example meters disclosed herein are to decode a watermark from a first audio signal to obtain an identifier of a broadcast station, and query a data structure based on (i) the identifier of the broadcast station obtained from the watermark and (ii) a location, the query to obtain a transmission frequency of a broadcast signal corresponding to the audio signal. Disclosed example meters are also to tune a radio to the transmission frequency of the broadcast signal, and compare the first audio signal with a second audio signal from the radio to verify an identity of the broadcast station.
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2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the query is based on a station identifier conveyed by the decoded watermark, and the tuning data retrieved by the query includes a frequency of the broadcast signal.
This invention relates to a system for retrieving tuning data for broadcast signals based on watermark information. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently accessing broadcast content by decoding a watermark embedded in a received signal to extract a station identifier. This identifier is then used to query a database, which returns tuning data including the frequency of the broadcast signal. The apparatus includes a decoder for extracting the watermark, a processor for generating the query, and a communication interface for retrieving the tuning data. The system enables seamless tuning to the correct broadcast frequency by leveraging embedded watermark information, eliminating the need for manual frequency selection or complex signal scanning. The invention is particularly useful in environments where broadcast frequencies may vary or where users need quick access to specific content without prior knowledge of the signal frequency. The apparatus may also include additional components for processing the retrieved tuning data and adjusting receiver settings accordingly. The overall solution enhances user experience by automating the tuning process based on embedded metadata.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the query is further based on a location associated with the decoded watermark.
This invention relates to a system for processing and analyzing digital content, particularly focusing on extracting and utilizing embedded watermarks to enhance query functionality. The system includes a decoder that extracts a watermark from digital content, such as an image, video, or audio file. The watermark contains encoded data, which the decoder interprets to generate a query. This query is then used to retrieve relevant information or perform actions based on the decoded watermark. The apparatus further incorporates a location-based filtering mechanism, where the query is refined or modified based on a location associated with the decoded watermark. This location may be derived from the watermark itself or from metadata linked to the content. By integrating location data, the system improves the precision of queries, ensuring that results are contextually relevant to the geographic or spatial context of the content. The invention is particularly useful in applications where digital content is geographically tagged, such as in augmented reality, location-based services, or content management systems. The system dynamically adjusts query parameters based on the extracted watermark and its associated location, enabling more accurate and context-aware information retrieval.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the media identification data corresponds to at least one of radio data system (RDS) data or radio broadcast data system (RBDS) data embedded in the tuned broadcast signal.
This invention relates to an apparatus for identifying media content in broadcast signals, specifically focusing on extracting and processing embedded metadata. The apparatus is designed to address the challenge of accurately identifying media content, such as songs or programs, from broadcast signals where the metadata is encoded in standardized formats like Radio Data System (RDS) or Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS). These systems transmit supplementary information alongside the audio signal, including program identifiers, station names, and track details. The apparatus captures this embedded data to determine the media content being broadcast, enabling applications like automated logging, content recognition, or audience measurement. The apparatus may include a tuner to receive the broadcast signal, a decoder to extract the RDS or RBDS data, and a processor to analyze the metadata for identification purposes. By leveraging these standardized data formats, the apparatus ensures reliable media identification without requiring additional external databases or complex signal analysis. This approach simplifies the process of tracking broadcast content while maintaining accuracy and compatibility with existing radio transmission standards.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the decoded watermark is associated with an audio signal conveyed by the broadcast signal, and the media identification data is conveyed by a sub-carrier of the broadcast signal.
This invention relates to a system for extracting and processing watermark data embedded in broadcast signals, particularly in audio and sub-carrier components. The apparatus decodes a watermark from an audio signal within the broadcast signal, where the watermark contains identification data linked to the media content. Additionally, the apparatus extracts media identification data transmitted via a sub-carrier of the broadcast signal. The sub-carrier data may include metadata, synchronization information, or other identifiers that complement the watermark data. The system synchronizes or correlates the decoded watermark and sub-carrier data to enhance media recognition, tracking, or authentication. This approach improves reliability by cross-referencing multiple embedded data sources within the broadcast signal, ensuring accurate identification of media content even in noisy or degraded transmission conditions. The apparatus may be used in applications such as content monitoring, rights management, or audience measurement, where precise identification of broadcast media is essential. The combination of audio watermarking and sub-carrier data extraction provides a robust solution for media identification in broadcast environments.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is to transmit a report including the media identified by the media identification data and a location associated with the decoded watermark.
This invention relates to a system for detecting and reporting media content using digital watermarks. The system addresses the challenge of identifying media content in various formats (e.g., audio, video, images) and determining its location or context, such as where it appears in a video stream or image. The apparatus includes at least one processor configured to decode a digital watermark embedded in media content, extract media identification data from the watermark, and generate a report. The report includes the identified media (e.g., a specific song, video clip, or image) and its associated location, such as a timestamp in a video or coordinates in an image. This enables applications like content tracking, copyright enforcement, and contextual advertising. The system may also include a communication interface to transmit the report to a server or database for further analysis. The invention improves upon prior methods by automating the detection and reporting process, reducing manual verification, and providing precise location data for identified media. This is particularly useful in scenarios where media is dynamically inserted or modified, ensuring accurate tracking and attribution.
9. The least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the query is based on a station identifier conveyed by the decoded watermark, and the tuning data retrieved by the query includes a frequency of the broadcast signal.
This invention relates to digital watermarking in broadcast signals, specifically for enabling devices to identify and tune to broadcast stations. The problem addressed is the difficulty of automatically detecting and accessing broadcast signals without prior knowledge of their frequencies or identifiers. The solution involves embedding a digital watermark in a broadcast signal, which carries a station identifier. A receiving device decodes this watermark to extract the identifier, then queries a database using the identifier to retrieve tuning data, including the broadcast frequency. This allows the device to automatically tune to the correct frequency for the identified station. The database may be local or remote, and the watermark may be embedded in audio, video, or other signal components. The system ensures seamless station identification and tuning without manual input, improving user experience in broadcast reception. The invention is particularly useful in environments where broadcast frequencies are not pre-programmed or dynamically change.
10. The least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the query is further based on a location associated with the decoded watermark.
A system and method for processing digital content involves embedding and decoding watermarks in digital media files, such as images, audio, or video. The system addresses challenges in content authentication, tracking, and management by embedding imperceptible watermarks that carry metadata, ownership information, or other identifiers. These watermarks are resistant to common transformations like compression, cropping, or noise addition, ensuring robustness. The system includes a decoder that extracts the watermark from the media file and interprets its embedded data. The extracted watermark data is then used to generate a query, which may involve searching databases, retrieving associated metadata, or triggering actions based on the watermark content. The query can also incorporate a location associated with the decoded watermark, allowing for geospatial analysis or location-based operations. This enables applications such as copyright enforcement, content verification, and personalized content delivery based on the watermark and its associated location. The system ensures secure and efficient handling of digital media by leveraging watermarking techniques to embed and retrieve hidden information without altering the perceptual quality of the content.
11. The least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the media identification data corresponds to at least one of radio data system (RDS) data or radio broadcast data system (RBDS) data embedded in the tuned broadcast signal.
This invention relates to systems for identifying media content from broadcast signals, particularly radio broadcasts. The problem addressed is the need to accurately extract and process media identification data embedded within broadcast signals to enable features like content recognition, metadata retrieval, or user interaction. The invention involves a computer-readable medium storing instructions for a device to receive and process a tuned broadcast signal, such as a radio transmission. The system extracts media identification data from the signal, which may include Radio Data System (RDS) or Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) data. These protocols are used to transmit metadata like station identification, song titles, or traffic information alongside the audio signal. The extracted data is then used to identify the media content, such as a song or broadcast segment, and may trigger actions like displaying metadata, logging playback, or integrating with other applications. The system ensures reliable identification by leveraging standardized broadcast data formats, which are widely supported across radio networks. This allows for seamless integration with existing radio infrastructure while enabling advanced features like automated content logging or dynamic user notifications. The solution is particularly useful for devices that need to recognize and interact with broadcast media without requiring additional external data sources.
12. The least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the decoded watermark is associated with an audio signal conveyed by the broadcast signal, and the media identification data is conveyed by a sub-carrier of the broadcast signal.
This invention relates to digital watermarking and media identification in broadcast signals. The technology addresses the challenge of embedding and extracting watermark data from broadcast signals while ensuring robustness and minimizing interference with the primary audio content. The system involves encoding a watermark into an audio signal carried by a broadcast signal, where the watermark is associated with the audio content. Additionally, media identification data is transmitted separately via a sub-carrier of the broadcast signal. The sub-carrier approach allows for efficient and reliable delivery of identification metadata without disrupting the audio signal. The watermark and identification data work together to enable accurate tracking, authentication, and content management in broadcast environments. The invention ensures that the watermark remains imperceptible to listeners while maintaining high detection accuracy, even in noisy or degraded signal conditions. The use of a sub-carrier for identification data provides a secondary channel for metadata, enhancing the system's flexibility and reliability. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring secure and tamper-resistant content identification, such as digital rights management, audience measurement, and content monitoring. The system may be implemented in broadcast transmitters, receivers, or intermediate processing devices to facilitate seamless integration into existing broadcast infrastructures.
13. The least one non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 8, wherein the computer readable instructions are to cause the one or more processors to transmit a report including the media identified by the media identification data and a location associated with the decoded watermark.
This invention relates to digital watermarking and media identification systems. The technology addresses the challenge of detecting and tracking media content, such as images, videos, or audio, by embedding and decoding watermarks to identify the media and its associated metadata. The system extracts watermark data from media content, decodes it to identify the media, and generates a report that includes the identified media and its location based on the decoded watermark. The report may be transmitted to a server or another system for further processing, such as tracking media distribution, enforcing copyright, or analyzing media usage. The invention improves upon existing watermarking techniques by providing a structured way to associate media with specific locations, enhancing the accuracy and utility of media identification in various applications. The system may be used in digital rights management, content moderation, or media analytics, where knowing the origin and distribution of media is critical. The invention ensures that watermark data is reliably extracted and linked to its source, enabling automated reporting and analysis of media content across different platforms.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the querying is based on a station identifier conveyed by the decoded watermark and a location associated with the decoded watermark, and the tuning data retrieved by the querying includes a frequency of the broadcast signal.
This invention relates to systems for receiving and processing broadcast signals, particularly those containing embedded watermarks. The problem addressed is the need to efficiently tune to and decode broadcast signals based on embedded watermark data, which may include station identifiers and location information. The invention provides a method for querying a database using a station identifier extracted from a decoded watermark and a location associated with the watermark. The query retrieves tuning data, including the frequency of the broadcast signal, allowing a receiver to automatically adjust to the correct frequency for receiving the broadcast. This method ensures that devices can dynamically tune to the appropriate broadcast signal based on embedded watermark information, improving signal acquisition and reducing manual tuning requirements. The system leverages the watermark data to streamline the tuning process, particularly in environments where multiple broadcast signals may be available at different frequencies. The invention enhances the efficiency and accuracy of broadcast signal reception by integrating watermark decoding with database querying to retrieve necessary tuning parameters.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the media identification data corresponds to at least one of radio data system (RDS) data or radio broadcast data system (RBDS) data embedded in the tuned broadcast signal.
This invention relates to systems for identifying media content from broadcast signals, particularly radio broadcasts. The problem addressed is the need to accurately and efficiently extract media identification data from broadcast signals to enable content recognition, tracking, or other applications. The method involves processing a tuned broadcast signal to extract embedded media identification data. Specifically, the data corresponds to either Radio Data System (RDS) or Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS) information contained within the broadcast signal. RDS and RBDS are standardized protocols used in FM radio broadcasts to transmit metadata such as station identification, program information, and other supplementary data alongside the audio content. By extracting this embedded data, the system can identify the broadcast content, track listening habits, or synchronize additional information with the broadcast. The method may also include additional steps such as decoding the broadcast signal to retrieve the embedded data, validating the extracted data, and using it for further processing or analysis. The extracted media identification data can be used to determine the broadcast source, program type, or other relevant details, enabling applications such as audience measurement, content monitoring, or automated logging. The system ensures reliable identification by leveraging standardized broadcast protocols, reducing the need for complex audio analysis or external databases.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the decoded watermark is associated with an audio signal conveyed by the broadcast signal, and the media identification data is conveyed by a sub-carrier of the broadcast signal.
The invention relates to digital watermarking and media identification in broadcast signals. The problem addressed is the need to embed and extract watermark data from broadcast signals while also conveying media identification data separately, ensuring robust and reliable detection. The method involves decoding a watermark from an audio signal carried within the broadcast signal. The watermark is embedded in the audio content and can be extracted to identify or authenticate the media. Additionally, the broadcast signal includes a sub-carrier that conveys media identification data, which may include metadata, synchronization information, or other identifiers. The sub-carrier operates independently of the audio signal, allowing for parallel processing of both the watermark and the identification data. This dual-channel approach enhances detection accuracy and reliability, particularly in noisy or degraded signal conditions. The method ensures that the watermark and identification data can be extracted even if one channel is disrupted, improving overall system robustness. The technique is applicable to various broadcast systems, including radio, television, and digital media streaming, where secure and efficient media identification is critical.
19. The method of claim 15, further including transmitting a report including the media identified by the media identification data and a location associated with the decoded watermark.
A system and method for identifying and tracking media content using embedded watermarks. The technology addresses the challenge of detecting and locating media content in various environments, such as broadcast, streaming, or physical media, where unauthorized use or distribution may occur. The method involves capturing media content, such as audio or video, and analyzing it to detect embedded watermarks. These watermarks are imperceptible identifiers that carry information about the media, such as ownership, source, or licensing details. Once detected, the watermark is decoded to extract media identification data, which is then used to retrieve additional information about the media. The system further transmits a report that includes the identified media and its associated location, enabling tracking and enforcement of media usage rights. This process ensures that media content can be accurately identified and monitored across different platforms and distribution channels, helping content owners protect their intellectual property and enforce licensing agreements. The method is particularly useful in scenarios where media content is shared or distributed without authorization, allowing for rapid detection and response.
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April 7, 2023
April 9, 2024
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